The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is demanding answers from Indian cricket board (BCCI) after uncapped spinner Shoaib Bashir was forced on a frustrating visa rollercoaster ride ahead of the India Test series.
- Abu Dhabi Stopover, Unexpected Twist: Shoaib Bashir, 20, travelled to the UAE with the England squad but lacked the Indian visa due to his Pakistani heritage. The ECB believed the issue would be resolved in Abu Dhabi with BCCI’s help as per Daily Mail.
- Visa Granted, With a Catch: On Sunday, with the England team departing for Hyderabad, Bashir received visa approval, but only after returning to London for in-person stamping at the Indian High Commission. This despite some teammates securing visas in Abu Dhabi.
- Communication Gap Blamed: The ECB alleges a communication breakdown with the BCCI, unsure if visas could be issued in a third country like the UAE. This lack of clarity caused unnecessary travel and delays.
- Emotional Toll on Shoaib Bashir: The ordeal left Shoaib Bashir drained, forcing him to forego immediate training and return home briefly before rejoining the team for the second Test.
- Past Precedents: This isn’t an isolated incident. Cricketers with British-Pakistani heritage, like Moeen Ali and Saqib Mahmood, have faced similar visa delays and missed matches in India.
- Stringent Scrutiny: Indian visa applications for individuals with Pakistani heritage often involve extensive background checks, interviews, and lengthy processing times, with many applications ultimately rejected.
The ECB demands clarification from Indian authorities to avoid such complications in the future. Bashir’s saga highlights the challenges faced by players with certain backgrounds, raising questions about visa procedures and potential discrimination.
As tensions simmer, cricket fans, the ECB, and Shoaib Bashir himself await a smooth resolution, hoping the focus can shift back to the field and the exciting test series ahead.
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